TRINITY

I fear nothing. Even if it's a thing or a person. But just in one snap, it's like I'm different person now. Nagawa ko na mag-alala sa mga taong nasa paligid ko. The more I stick to them, may chance na sila din ang isunod.

I was about to run when someone hold my hand and it was Lilith. Nakataas ang kaniyang kilay na para bang sinasabi na mali ang gagawin ko. I look at her without emotion. Aizel is fucking missing!

"Lilith, let me go." I coldly stated.

"No, we have something to do here." She replied. Napansin kong nasa amin ang tingin nila. Akmang lalapit si Huzein at Kace ngunit hinarangan ito ni Alliana. Lucifer, on the other hand, enjoying the show.

"For the second time, Lilith let me go."

She smirked. "Not until we find the two bodies. You're friend can wait, but the two can't."

"IT'S MY FUCKING FRIEND FOR FUCKING SAKE, WHY CAN'T YOU UNDERSTAND THAT?!" I shouted. My voice echoed in this area. Nakita kong naging seryoso ang mukha ni Lilith at tinitigan ako ng masama.

"Okay..." Sabi niya at pinakawalan ako, sign na pwede na akong umalis. Ngunit ilang hakbang palang ang nagagawa ko ay muli siyang nagsalita. "Once you step your feet outside. Wala ka ng babalikan. Don't you ever ask for help in one of us."

Inis akong lumingon. "What the fuck?!"

"Talagang what the fuck," she said. Nilabas niya ang kaniyang lollipop mula sa kaniyang bibig at itinapon iyon sa malapit na basurahan. Unti-unti siyang humakbang papalapit sa akin hanggang sa magkapantay kami. "Namatay din kaibigan ko, but look at me now. Am I crying? Am I? Look at you, nawawala lang kaibigan mo and then nag-p-panic ka na. Can I repeat what you said? Uh... "You're me, but the weaker one." I'm scared... Baka ikaw?" Unti-unti niyang nilapit ang mukha niya sa akin at ngumisi. "You're like me... But the weaker one."

We stared for a second. Kung nakakamatay lang ang tingin, siguro parehas na kaming patay ngayon. Until someone pulled her wrist and same as mine.

"That's enough, kailangan pa nating hanapin ang dalawang biktima," Huzein said. Si Lucifer din ay kinausap si Lilith ngunit irap lang ang sagot niya.

"But Huzein, si Aizel-" hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko nang magsalita siya.

"She's right, let's find the two first." He said. Lumukot ang mukha ko and look at him in disbelief. Parang hindi niya kaibigan si Aizel! He reached for my cheek and caressed it. He look into my eyes intently. "I promise, hahanapin natin si Aizel after nito. Okay? Don't panic, she will be safe."

"H-how can you be sure? Baka siya ang isusunod ni scorpion!" I yelled like a kid. I felt my tears starts to fall. Bakit ba against silang hanapin ko si Aizel? Kahit ako nalang maghanap. He wiped my tears using his thumb.

"We'll look for her after this, hangga't wala pang votings na nagaganap, she's safe." He said, he opened his arms and playfully smile. My body moves closer to him and give him a tight hug. It helps me to wipe all my worries away. Indeed, only Huzein can calm the storm inside me.

I heard the door opened. It's Valerie, lumabas ito na hindi nagpaalam sa amin. I know... She's mad. But I hope one day she will understand.

"Guys, magyayakapan nalang ba tayo dito? Uh... May hahanapin pa tayo and... Respeto sa single." Alliana said. "Uy, Lucifer ba name mo? Bakit ka nakatitig sa kanila? Inggit ka? Here, I'll give you a tight hug nalang."

"No thanks," I heard Lucifer said. Mabilis akong humiwalay sa yakap ni Huzein. Siya naman ay tumawa dahil sa ginawa ko. How dare him to laugh at my actions?!

We started to roam around the first floor. Magkasama kami ni Lucifer at Huzein habang sina Lilith, Alliana at Kace. Kahit na nasa second floor sila, dinig pa din namin ang ingay lalo na ang boses ni Alliana.

"Kyaaaa! Lilith 'wag ka manakot! Ugh!" I heard Alliana shouted. Huzein and I tried as hard not to laugh but ended up laughing. Si Lucifer naman ay seryosong naghahanap.

Nasa second floor ang mga locker room and shower room habang nasa unang palapag naman ang swimming pool at ang mga bagay na ginagamit sa pang-swimming. I don't know what's the name of this thing pero nakikita ko itong suot ng mga lifeguards, if I'm not mistaken.

"Wala dito, check natin sa kabila," Huzein said pero umalma si Lucifer.

"Why can't we decode the message and the three of them will find the body? I'm pretty sure that person is still alive..." He said. May kinuha ito sa bulsa na isang itim na papel. Paniguradong hiningi niya kay Alliana ito.

"Wait," I muttered. Napalingon naman silang dalawa sa akin na may nakapagtataka na tingin. "I should be with them and Kace should be here. It's girls to girls and boys to boys dapat."

Huzein chuckled. "Nakita mong halos magpatayan na kayo ni Lilith, gusto mo pa din sumama."

Nalipat naman ang tingin ko kay Lucifer na nakakrus ang braso. "You are Scorpion's target, you should be protected."

I raised my eyebrow. "'Yun lang? Maybe there's a deep reason behind that."

He yawned. "Baby, romance is not for me."

Umiwas ako ng tingin at nagkibit-balikat. "Okay sige sabi mo."

I heard someone cleared his throat and it's Huzein. Agad kaming napatingin sa kaniya. "So, shall we start decoding the message while searching for the body?"

Akmang kikilos na sila nang muli akong magsalita. "Wait lang. Last question na."

Parehas silang nakakunot-noo na tumingin sa akin. Para bang sinasabi nila na tama na at may gagawin pa o nakakaabala ako. I can't determine which.

"As he said, I'm Scorpion's target," I started. I glance at Lucifer and continue what I'm saying. "Being a target of this bitch can put someone close to me in danger, is that okay with you? Baka kayo ang isunod ni Scorpion, konsensya ko pa."

"I won't mind. Mas matutuwa pa akong mamatay dahil sa'yo kesa mamatay sa walang kwentang bagay," Huzein said and flash a sweet smile. Tanging tango lang ang sagot ko at bumaling kay Lucifer.

He look at me with no emotions and turn his back without saying any words. May nasabi ba akong mali? I'm just asking... "I'll go find the body, you guys decode the message." He said.

I decided to run towards his direction. Pero bago ko pa magawa 'yon, Huzein grab my arm.

"Susundan mo ba siya? How about this?" He asked and wave the black letter.

"Tatanungin ko lang naman siya if offensive 'yung nasabi ko." I said, pilit kong ikinalas ang kamay niya sa pagkakahawak sa braso ko pero mas lalo niyang hinigpitan. Inis akong tumingin dito.

He's eyes. He's goddamn eyes. He looked hurt. His face is emotionless but his eyes... He's eyes tells me he's hurting inside and I don't know why. He look away and wipe his eyes using his available hand.

"Am I overreacting again?" He muttered. "I know you'll go with him and ask him some questions. Halata namang sasama ka sa paghahanap sa katawan to know him more. You can lie to yourself but not me, Trinity. Never lie to your... Bestfriend."

"And your point is?"

"You like him, do you?" He asked. My eyes widen. Mabilis akong umiling at tinitigan siya ng masama.

"WHAT THE FUCK? WHO ARE YOU TO DICTATE MY FEELINGS?" I exclaimed. Hindi man lang siya nagulat dahil sa pagsigaw ko. I guess... He's expecting me to shout.

"That... That stare. Iba ka tumingin sa kaniya kaysa sa ibang tao. You're lips unconsciously smiled when he's near you. You're interested in him. You like him. You want him to know more-"

"EXACTLY!" I exclaimed again. "I WANT HIM TO KNOW MORE! NOT-"

"Can you please don't shout?"

"WHAT?! NOW, YOU'RE ASKING ME NOT TO SHOUT?!"

"Why are you shouting?"

"BECAUSE YOU'RE MAKING ME MAD AS HELL!"

"AND YOU'RE MAKING ME JEALOUS AS HELL!"

I stun for a second and look to his eyes directly. What did he said? Did he just shouted at me and say he's jealous? But why is he jealous?

"HOY RINIG KAYO DITO! KALMAHAN NIYO LANG, LALO KA NA HUZEIN!" Alliana shouted. Nasa second floor pa din sila at patuloy sa paghahanap hanggang sa makarinig kami ng tili mula sa kaniya. "ANO BA, LILITH?! DON'T STARE ME LIKE THAT AS IF YOU'LL CHOKE ME TO DEATH!"

Wala na kaming narinig na ingay mula sa taas at binalutan kami ng katahimikan. Huzein is staring at the paper while I'm looking at him. I can't process everything he said.

Nagulat ako nang tumingin siya sa direksyon ko. Naguguluhan akong tumingin sa ibang direksyon at kunwareng naglakad. Ramdam ko ang paglapit niya at hinawakan ang braso ko. Hinila niya ako palabas ng room. Nakasalubong pa namin sina Lilith, Kace at Alliana. Nakatingin pa si Alliana sa amin at sinesenyasang maghalikan kami. I glared at her.

"Wala kaming nahanap na-where are you guys heading?" Kace asked. Ngunit hindi siya sinagot ni Huzein at dire-diretsong naglakad. Akmang papalag ako nang higpitan niya ang pagkakahawak sa braso ko.

Napahinto lang kami nang malapit na kami sa pintuan. Nang tinignan ko kung anong nangyari, it's Lucifer, nakaharang siya sa pintuan at nagpalitan sila ng matalim na tingin ni Huzein.

"Move, dude." Huzein said. Lucifer tilted his head. Tumama ang tingin niya sa braso ko na mahigpit na hawak ni Huzein. Muli niyang ibinalik ang tingin sa kaibigan ko. God, the feeling again. His aura is... I can't find the words to say how deadly is.

"A group? This is what you call a group? A team work?" Lucifer muttered. Muli niyang tinignan ang braso ko kaya napalingon din ako doon. Nakita kong namula na 'yon dahil sa pagkakahawak niya. "Let go of her."

"Who are you to dictate me?" Huzein asked. "I won't... I won't let go of her."

"She's hurting..." Lucifer whispered.

In one snap, Huzein is kneeling, he look like he's in deep pain. Lucifer just... Standing there while watching him groaning in pain. Nabitawan din ni Huzein ang braso ko kaya nagawa kong maihakbang ang mga paa ko. Ngunit hindi palayo, palapit kay Huzein.

"Tangina..." I whispered. Ramdam ko ang tingin ng tatlo sa amin. Binigyan ko ng matalim na tingin si Lucifer habang siya naman ay nakamaang nakatingin sa akin.

Just a blink of an eye, hawak-hawak ko na sa leeg si Lucifer habang siya naman ay walang reaksyong nakatingin sa akin. Dinig ko namang nilapitan ni Alliana, Lilith at Kace si Huzein. What the fuck did he do to my bestfriend?!

"What the fuck did you do to him?" I asked while glaring at him. He just... Look at me emotionless.

"Easy there, woman. Tinulungan lang kita..." he whispered. Mas lalo kong diniinan ang kamay ko sa leeg niya ngunit wala pa din siyang reaksyon. If I kill him, wala pa din ba siyang reaksyon?

"I don't need you help." I said. Narinig kong lumabas ang apat para dalhin si Huzein sa clinic. Narinig ko pa ngang gano'n din ang ginawa niya kay Kace kanina. Ngayon ay kaming dalawa nalang ang natira sa swimming pool area.

"Okay."

In just a second, I'm now pinning against the wall habang nasa gilid ko ang mga braso niya. Ang mukha niya ay sobrang lapit na sa mukha ko. I closed my eyes, scared to see what will he do to me.

But then I heard him chuckled.

"You're cute..."

Unti-unti na siyang lumayo sa akin kasabay ng unti-unting pagbukas ng mga mata ko. His face is emotionless but his eyes are different. Like his telling me something through his eyes. Tumalikod na ito at sumunod sa apat. Doon ko na kinuha ang pagkakataon na habulin ng hininga. Hindi naman niya ako sinakal pero pakiramdam ko nauubusan ako ng hininga. Hindi ko alam kung sa kaba ba o dahil sa kaniya.

"Damn you, devil."

Ngayon ay nasa clinic na kami. Wala din ang doctor dito kaya si Alliana ang nag-asikaso sa kaniya. Naabutan ko nalang na nag-uusap si Lilith at Lucifer ng masinsinan sa corridor ng clinic habang si Huzein at Kace ay nag-aasaran. I don't get them, minsan magkaaway sila pero minsan magkaibigan.

When I passed at the two devils, Lucifer look at my way and met my eyes. I manage to maintain the cold and emotionless face until he winked at me again! I repeat, romance is not for me so if he likes me, I'll turn it down.

Ngayon ay nasa pintuan ako habang pinapanood ang galaw ni Alliana kung paano niya asikasuhin si Huzein. Base sa pagkakarinig ko, may ibinatong needle si Lucifer at tumama sa binti niya. And 'yung needle na 'yon, pampamanhid iyon ngunit tatagal ang manhid ng tatlong minuto. Ganon din daw ang naranasan ni Kace kanina kaya siya napaluhod.

Pinagkrus ko ang braso ko at sumandal sa pader habang pinapanood pa din si Alliana. Hindi naman nila napansin ang pagpasok ko. Maya-maya ay nagtama ang tingin namin ni Alliana. I saw her gulped at nanginginig na binitawan ang bimpong hawak niya.

"T-Trinity... Bakit g-gan'yan titig m-mo?" She stuttered. Maging ang dalawa ay napalingon sa amin. Unti-unti kong itinaas ang kilay ko at nagkibit-balikat.

"You're being paranoid, Alliana." I said. Binato niya ang bimpo sa kamang inuupuan ng dalawa.

"Ayoko na, nakaka-trauma din palang mapaligiran ng demonyo, jusko." She said and run away. Right when the door closed, doon lang nagsalubong ang titig namin ni Huzein.

"Uh... I think you need to talk to her, man. The way she glares at Alliana is something you should take actions," Kace said and glance at me. Unti-unti siyang tumayo at akmang tatapikin niya ako nang titigan ko siya ng masama. He chuckled and put his two hands up in the air for surrender.

Nang isarado na ni Kace ang pinto, muling nagtama ang tingin namin ni Huzein. Sinenyasan niya akong umupo sa tabi niya pero umiling ako. Kunot-noo niya akong tinignan.

"Hindi mo ba kayang tumayo?" I asked. Umiling ito. "Okay, what should I call you then? Huzein pilay?"

"Trinity..." He said with a soft voice. Muli niyang sinenyas sa akin na umupo sa tabi niya. Walang alinlangan ko namang ginawa 'yon. He look so tired and in deep hurt. Nang umupo na ako sa tabi niya ay inabot niya ang binti kong may sugat. Hindi naman ako pumalag. I heard him sighed. "This is why I dragged you out of the swimming pool area but Lucifer just... Blocked our way. Hindi ako sanay na nakikita kang may sugat."

"Sana sinabi mo, 'diba? Dragging me won't solve my problem," I said. Ipinakita ko din ang braso kong mamula-mula dahil sa higpit ng pagkakahawak niya kanina. Hindi na ito gaya kanina na sobrang pula talaga. "How about this?"

"Shit..." Bulong niya. Nagulat ako nang bigla niya akong yakapin. Isinandal niya ang baba sa balikat ko and I heard his soft cries. I still don't know why the fuck he's crying. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry, Trinity..."

"H-hey..." I stuttered. I tried to push him pero mas lalo niyang hinigpitan ang pagkakahawak. "It's nothing, there's no scars left and if ever na may sugat man, it's alright. Don't cry like a baby, you dumb fuck."

Unti-unti siyang tumahan ngunit nakayakap pa din siya sa akin. Binalot kami ng katahimikan nang muli siyang magsalita.

"If you're wondering that it's true, yes. Everything I told you a while ago is true." Sabi niya at mas hinigpitan ang pagkakayakap. "I just want a tight hug from you and all the negatives will fade away."

Naguguluhang niyakap ko siya pabalik. Then, I remembered that the guys-Kace, Huzein and Lucifer- may nangyari sa aming hindi kaaya-aya specially Kace. Naalala ko pa na nasa ilalim kami ng bookshelf at pilit na pinagkakasiya ang sarili para hindi makita. Then he's... He's my first kiss! How dare him to steal my first kiss! Then sasabihin niya pa na ako ang may kasalanan?! It's all his fault! And next we have Huzein, palagi niya akong niyayakap lalo na kapag galit ako. This is why I'm lucky to have him, no one else can- even my sister- can tame me when I'm mad but here he comes, just a tight hug and everything will be alright. And lastly, Lucifer. I'm wondering, bakit nandoon siya nang biglang dumugo ang binti ko? Bakit nandoon siya para tulungan ako in the first place? Bakit niya ako tinulungang makaalis sa pagkakahawak ni Huzein sa akin? Sino ba siya? I still don't know him. Maybe kapag okay na ako, I'll do some background checks on him.

We stayed like that until someone cleared his throat. Wala pa ding kumikilos sa amin kaya nilakasan niya pa lalo. Inis kong tinignan kung sino at tinaasan ng kilay. Walang iba kundi si Lucifer together with Lilith na hawak-hawak sa stick ng kaniyang lollipop.

Unti-unting bumitaw si Huzein at sinimulang muling linisan ang sugat ko habang ang dalawa naman ay kinwento kung paano at saan natagpuan ang katawan ng muntikan nang mamatay.

Gaya ng mga dating biktima- I can find a perfect term for them- nakalagay ito sa itim na bag at tulog na tulog sila. Sila na ang kumuha at dinala ito sa mga grade twelve students. Nakilala ang babae bilang Agape Briones, a HUMMS student. Kilala ito ni Huzein ngunit sa pangalan at itsura lang.

"And how about- aw Huzein! Be gentle!" I exclaimed. Napadiin ata ang paglalagay niya ng alcohol sa sugat ko. His lips formed a small smile and mouthed sorry. Bumaling ako kay Lucifer, "and how did that happened? May naikwento ba sila?"

Nagkatinginan ang dalawa at sabay nagkibit-balikat. Napalingon kami sa pintuan nang bumukas ito, it's Alliana.

"Oh? Anong meron?" She asked. Nang tumama ang tingin niya sa akin, agad itong nag-peace sign. "Oy, Trinity! Peace na tayo ah? Grabe 'yung titig mo kanina, parehas kay Lilith na pang ev-" napahinto ito nang makitang nakatitig sa kaniya si Lilith na nanlilisik ang mga mata. "Ev-Eva! Oo parang eva gano'n? Like kakaeva? Yes! That's the right term!"

I rolled my eyes. Napatingin ako kay Huzein nang binalot na niya ng bandage ang binti ko. Muli kong tinignan si Alliana at sa kaniya ko naman tinanong.

"Ah, guess what..." sabi niya at tumingin sa dalawa na nakangisi. "Alam mo ba, natatakot sa kanila 'yung ibang HUMMS students? Nakakatakot daw kasi sila lalo na 'yung atmosphere daw ang bigat-bigat gano'n. Kaya sa akin sila lumapit!" She said and laughed. Hindi ko gets, anong nakakatawa sa sinabi niya?

"Uh, Alliana. Is that a joke or what?" Nakangiwing tanong ko. Lahat kami ay nakatitig lang sa kaniya.

She cleared her throat and then spoke. "Sabi ng kaibigan nila, sinundan mo daw siya last night. That's the time when she disappeared, so my question is... Bakit mo siya sinundan? It's a perfect time to kidnap her dahil gabi but-"

"If you're accusing her that she's the Scorpion then you're theory is wrong, my dear." Lilith interrupted. "It's obvious na siya ang ginagago ng scorpion na 'yon. She's the Scorpion's victim but not physically, it's by emotionally."

"Y-yeah but it doesn't change the fact na-"

"It's crystal clear, my dear. If you don't get my point here, maybe you should resign as vice president. You're IQ is too low, can't even understand what's my point." Inis na sabi ni Lilith. Alliana just sighed.

"Okay, I-I:m convinced," she stuttered. Halatang nasindak siya dahil sa sinabi ni Lilith. "How about the black letter? Nabuksan n'yo na ba?"

Huzein cleared his throat before getting the note in his pocket. Lahat kami ay pinapanood siyang buksan at basahin ito. Inabot niya sa akin ang papel at sinenyasang basahin ko para sa kanila.

I cleared my throat even my mind is full of confusions, what's this?

"Yes No Maybe..."